Electronic animated advertising sign system



Sept. 25, 1951 R. H. SEAMAN ELECTRONIC ANIMATED ADVERTISING SIGN SYSTEM Filed July 2, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 /T m y WWW m6; 7 Q% mu .5 3 5 3 mu w. m. 2 3

: pQQ Q Sept. 25, 1951 SEAMAN 2,568,767

ELECTRONIC ANIMATED ADVERTISING SIGN SYSTEM Filed July 2, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 )1 A A m y JNVENTOR.

rm/mm Sept. 25, 1951 Filed July 2, 1947 R. H. SEAMAN 2,568,767

ELECTRONIC ANIMATED ADVERTISING SIGN SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 TOR.

Patented sept.

ELECTRONIC ANIMATED ADVERTISING SIGN SYSTEM Richard H. Seaman, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Mega Corporation, Los Angeles, Cahf., a corporation of California Application July 2, 1947, Serial No. 758,659

7 Claims.

1 This invention relates broadly to electronic animated advertising sign systems and more particularly to an improved circuit and structural arrangement for animated signs producing the efiect of repeated writing, animated work or designs by means of a traveling dark space;

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an improved circuit arrangement for electronically and visually reproducing writings, animated Works, designs and pictorial representations with provisions for predetermining the relative illuminated and non-illuminated portions of the mobile display.

Still another objector my invention is to provide an improved circuit arrangement for an animated sign system employing a multiplicity of electronic discharge tubes arranged in coacting relation in which each of the tubes includes composite anode and cathode devices in each end thereof with a multiplicity of spaced anodes distributed therebetween and arranged for controlled excitation in predetermined and cyclic order.

Another object of my invention is to provide a system of electronic discharge tubes which coact to form an animated sign system in which the efficiency of each of the tubes is increased by the use of a hot cathode device in each end thereof for facilitating the ionization of the gaseous path through the tube. 1

A further object of my invention is to provide a circuit arrangement for a multiple tube electronic sign system in which a multiplicity of multiple electrode gaseous discharge tubes are arranged in electrical serie in a circuit arrangement powered from alternating current with periodical operating means for producing an inert path cyclically repeating through each of the coacting tubes to provide in effect a dark space intermediate electronical active illuminated portions of the tubes for cyclically reproducing writings, animated works, designs and other pictorial representations.

A further objectof my invention is to provide a novel construction of composite cathode and anode for the opposite interior of gaseous discharge tubes constituting an animated design system.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a circuit system for electronic discharge tubes of the multiple electrode type having composite anode and cathode devices in the opposite interior ends thereof electrically connected through a control circuit and energized so that the electrodes in the outward ends of the coacting tubes become alternately in eilect a cathode or anode in reproducing the visual animations in accordance with a prearranged program of operation.

Other and further objects of my invention reside in the circuit arrangement for the alternate operation of the electrodes in opposite ends of a multiple electrode electronic tube system, as cathode and anode, as set forth more fully in the specification hereinafter following by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of the circuit arrangement of the animated electronic sign system of my invention and illustrating means for determining the minimum length of the dark space provided in the electronic sign system; Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a modified form of electronic sign system embodying my invention and illustrating the arrangement of control means for predetermining the dark space in the electronic discharge paths, that is, means for wholly extinguishing the coacting electronic tubes through a definite time interval between the intervals of illumination thereof; Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of one of the electronic discharge tubes employed in the improved system of my invention; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view through a longitudinal section of the electronic discharge tube and showing the spaced anodes therein between which the electronic discharge or glow tend to increase or decrease, or grow or decay; Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view through a fragmentary end of one of the electronic discharge tubes embodying my invention and illustrating the structure of the composite cathode and anode mounted in each end of the tube; Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line i56 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 7+? of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on line 8--8 of Fig. 5; Fig. 9 is a theoretical view showing the position of the electrical control switch of Fig. 2 for a predetermined sequence of operation of the coacting electronic discharge tubes, all of the coacting tubes being de-activated to conjointly produce a dark condition for a sequence of time represented by the corresponding position of the electrical switch;

Fig. 10 is a similar theoretical view illustrating the position of the control switch fora succeeding condition of the coacting'electronic tube sections; Fig. 11 illustrates the next sequential position of the electrically controlled switch for a growing electrical discharge through the coact-,

ing electronic discharge tubes; Fig. 12 illustrates the next succeeding position of the control switch of the circuit arrangement of Fig. 2 for the complete and progressive Visual activation of the coacting electronic discharge tubes; and, Fig. 13 illustrates the position of the control switch in the next succeeding position wherein a portion of the coacting electronic discharge tubes erases or becomes darkened at the same relativeend at which the illumination was Originally initiated Referring to the drawings in detail I have illustrated the sign system of my invention as including a multiplicity of coacting gaseous "dis charge tubes, illustrated at 3|, 32 and 33, each including a multiplicity of electrodes'which'I have represented at I, 2, 3, 4,5,3, l,'8,- 9, l3, H and E2 in electron discharge tube SI; and at [4, l5, l3, l1, l8, I9, 20, 2! and 22 in electron tube 32; and at 23, 2d, 25, 23, 2?, 23, andilli' nineteen tube 33. 2

At opposite ends of each of the gaseous discharge tubes containing the enumerated spacially separate anodes I provide a composite cathode and anode constructionillustrated more clearly in Figs. 5, 7 and 8 The composite cathode and anode located at each end of the several gaseous discharge tubes are of similar construction and include the electron emitting cathode 34 connected to terminals 35 leadingout through the plug 38 extending normal to the axis of the tube. Surrounding the cathode 34, I provide a sleevelike electrode or shell 3- 5 which is in spaced position within the envelope of the tube ,by, means of supporting members31which constitute electrical connectionsto the sleeve-like electrode or shell 36 leading out to terminal 39 extending from plug 38. is provided withextension members, 35 which project therefrom for supporting disc-like electrode 4|. Disc-likenelectrode 41 serves as an anode surface and also as a light shieldto prevent appreciable light rays from illuminating the ends of the tubes duringthe inactivelorrdark space period of the tube. The. disc-like electrode cl. is sufficiently. spaced from the inner walls of the gaseous dischargetube to. allow. for the discharge of electrons, from the electron generator constituted by filament 34in .a stream extending longitudinally of the vessel in a. path. across.

anodes l, 2, 3, etc. When thecompositecathodeand anode device :operatesas an anode. the surface ofv disc-like electrode .M is bombarded with electrons and serves as .acollectorof electrons under conditions where the potential ,of cathode 34, shell 33 and disc-like electrode 4!, gopositiver Under conditions where thepolarity of the potential reverses, the cathode 34, shell36 and disclike electrode 4i becomes negative instead of posi-.

tive and serves as agenerator or electron discharge electrode.

In Fig. 1 I have illustrated for purposes of example, three coacting gaseous discharge tubes, l

ends thereof. In order to explain my invention I have illustrated the composite electrodes in gaseous discharge tube 3! at 42 and 43. In gaseous discharge tube SZ I have shown the composite electrodes at 44 and 45. Gaseous discharge tube 33 contains the composite electrodes at opposite ends thereof as represented at 46 and 47.

The cathode or electrode 42 is heated by transformer system 48. Similarly, the cathodes of The sleeve-like electrode or shell .33

4 the composite electrode 43 and 44 of tubes 3| and 32, respectively, are heated from a transformer system 49. In this instance the cathodes are connected in parallel and activated from a common secondary winding 50 of transformer 49. In order to obtain proper phasing I arrange separate transformer secondary windings 5| and 52 on power transformer 53 for respectively exciting the anodes of composite electrodes 45 and 45 of tubes 32 and 33 from transformer 53. Composite electrode 41 has the cathode thereof energized from transformer 54. The primary windings of transformers 48, 49, 53 and 54 all connect to the source of alternating current represented by line circuit 55 leading to a commercial power supply system. This may be any commercial frequency such as 60 cycle alternating current.

Il'iecon'trolswitch for successively activating or de-activating the several electrodes is represented at 56 as including a motor-driven shaft 51 carrying switch arm 5 8 thereon. Switch arm 58 carries an arcuate shapedpontactor 5 9,onthe end thereof forming a shoewhich establishes:

slidingelectricalcontact withthe series of .contacts arranged in the circular path ofthe arm as shown. For purposes of simplification l have numbered these contacts successively with primed reference characters, corresponding to the num- 5i connects to composite cathode and anode 45. Contact 52' connects to composite cathode and The set of contacts'23 through29' 3 connectto electrode 23'-29 in tube 33, respectiveanode 46.

ly.. Contact 54. connectstocomposite cathode and anode 41. Anode excitation for the severaltubes is supplied from transformer systems 60 and 66. The primary windings 62 and -63 of transformer 63 and BI, respectively, connect with theialternating current supply 'system"55. The

secondary windings of these transformers sup-' ply alternating current across discharge paths throughthe severaltubes 3|, 32 and 33. In the case of tubes 31 and 32 which'areelectrically' connected in series, tran'sfornu'ar 60 is suflicient tosupply required power to both of these tubes lll'SGliS.- In the case of the separate tube 33 7 the power transformer Bl furnishesthe alternating current requiredfor'operation through the discharge path from composite elec trode 46 to composite electrode 41 In each instance it will be observed thatthe sleeve-like electrode 36- is electrically connected to the cathode" 34. In the operation' 'of the circuit of Fig; 1 the'shoe 59- in shunting any suc cessive series of contacts serves to externally confduct current which would'otherwise pass through 1 of the discharge path of each discharge tube, producingin" effect a bubbling actionv'isually pro ducing a travellin mobile or animated effect.

Thus portions of the coacting tubes are successively illuminated and a dark vispot appears to travel- -alon the} coacting tubes arranged co'- acting relation as the arm 58 advances, around thepath of the contacts.

- In Fig. 2 I have shown a. system inwhich an entire series of coacting electronic discharge tubes may be-quenched or darkened and then activated to produce animations simulating writing. In this arrangement I have illustrated the electronic discharge tubes H, 12 and I3 arranged with com posite cathode and anode devices in opposite ends thereof and a series of spaced anodes as explained inthe arrangement of Fig. 1. Howeven'in the system of Fig. 2 the number of electrodes which may be shunted for deactivating the discharge space within the several tubes is increased by predetermining the efiective deductive length of the shunt switch represented at 14 rotatably operative by shaft 15 driven from motor 16. In the arrangement shown the peripheral length of the contact'face of the switch 14 is of such length that all of the contacts l'--l2, and the intermediate contacts, may be bridged and shunted, thereby providing an external path around the electrodes of the tubes by which conductivity through the tubes is bipassed and luminous glow thereof eliminated. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, a similar-group of composite anode and cathode devices are employed for each of the tubes, that is, composite anodes and cathodes 42 and 43 are provided in tubes ll; composite cathodes and anodes 44 and 45 are provided in tube 12 and composite cathodes and anodes 46 and 4'! are provided in tube 13. The circuit of Fig. 2 shows an extreme condition opposite that of the condition illustrated in Fig. 1, because in Fig. 2 the entire series of electronic discharge tubes may be darkened; whereas, in the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 certain electronic discharge paths across a restrictednumber of electrodes may be darkened. In both cases the bubbling efiect or dark space efiect is similar and the animation is obtained in a similar manner, except that in the arrangement of Fig. 2 the dark space is much longer than the dark space in the arrangement of Fig. 1.

The visual eflect in the arrangement of Fig. 2

is one of erasin and established glow discharge and thereestablishment of the glow discharge in a very attractive manner which arrests theatten- 1 tion ofthe average observer thereby affordin an important application of the sign of my invention for advertising purposes.

The composite cathode and anode devices are also connected to contacts in the path of travel of the switch 14, that is, composite electrode 42 connects to contact 42'; composite electrode 43 connects to contact 43; composite electrode 44 connects to contact 43'; composite electrode 45 connects to contact 45'; composite electrode 46 connects to contact 45' and composite electrode 41 connects to contact 41, all arranged in'the path with, contacts I'l2', and adapted to bev 73 is electrically independent of tubes 1] and 13.. In Figs. 9-13 I have illustrated the cyclic progression of the growth and decay of the glow dis charge in the several coacting tubes. In Fig. 9,. v for example, I have shown switch 14 forming an.

external shunt path along all of the tube electrodes so that a condition of darkness through-- out'theseveral tubes H, 12 and 13 is obtained,.

ode portion of composite electrode 45; secondary winding 83 energizes the cathode portion of com- 6 energizes the cathode portion of composite elec' trode 41.

As explained'in connection with Fig. 1, power transformer 60 serves to supply alternating current to both'electronic discharge tubes H and" whereas, transformer system 6| serves to supply alternating current to electronic discharge tube 13. In the arrangement shown electron discharge tubes H and 12 are arranged in electrical series with each other whereby electron discharge tubeas represented by the light pattern 85, showing; all of the tubes dark. As the switch 14 revolves clockwise activation of all of the electrodes of tube H and the beginning of electrodes in tube 12 occurs as a result of which the luminous discharge pattern changes as represented at 88 in Fig. 10. As the switch 74 continues to move in a clockwise direction, as represented in Fig. 11, the external shunt path is removed from the coacting electrodes and anodes resulting in the mobile advancement of the'illumi'nated portion of tube 12, while tube ll "hasthe luminosity thereof sustained according to the pattern 8'! in Fig.

11. As the switch 14 continues to advance in a clockwise direction, as represented in Fig. 12, the external shunt path is removed'from all of the tubes "ll, 12 and 13, therebyestablishing a continuous luminous discharge path 88 through all of the coacting tubes'll, l2 and 13 according to the pattern 88 in Fig. 12. As the switch 14 continues to revolve in a clockwise direction the luminosity of tubes H and T2 is erased accord-'- ing to the pattern 89 in Fig. 131eaving only the portion 98 of tube 12 and the entire tube 13 illuminated. This condition progresses to a repeat cycle removed in Fig. 9.

By means of a suitable rectifier system, I may operate the circuit of Fig. 1 in such a fashion that at terminals 9! and 92 the polarity is negative with respect to positive polarity at tern'iinal 93. In the same way, a rectifier system may be provided. to produce at terminals 94 and 95 negative'polarity with respect to positive polariyt at terminal 96 I have found the switching system of my invention particularly effective by reason of the brilliancy of the discharge which is secured by the multiple" activation which is secured by the alternate change of effective polarity at the opposite ends 'of the coacting tubes. The composite cathode and anode devices enable the tubes to be reversed in the operation thereof so that electronic discharge takes place first in one direction and then in the opposite direction, thereby 'increasing the brilliance of illumination by more effective ionization of the discharge paths. The benefits of both hot and cold cathode electronic discharge systems are obtained in the tubes of my invention employing the composite cathode and anode devices as shown herein. Adjustment maybe readily made of the effective length of the dark space between the illuminated writings or animations by changing the efiective length of the shunt consituting the external path around the tube of electrodes. v

While I have described my invention in cer- 4 9. its lare r r i d me e r h t m'odifie'ations may be made -'be understood that no limitations upon my infvention are intendedother'tlian may. be imposed by the scope of"tlie appendedlclaims and i desiretliatfit What I' claim as new and desire t Letters Patent'of the Uri'itecis'tates S as fbllbws:

V 1. An electronic animated sign comprising: a multiplicity of" reformed gaseous discharge cathode electrodes in common fromsaid'source,

means for progressively exciting. said electrodes :and anodes in' cyclic order and massages-area with the aforesaid means for 'es'tabl isliingan'eiilternal shunt path aro'undcertain ofsaid electrodes for maintainingamoloiledark space inter- ;mediate' the illuminated ortions of 'said tubes in cyclic progression and means for shielding the visual effects of "saidhot cathode electrode from said discharge.

2. An electronic animatedsig'n" comprisin a multiplicity -of'preftirmed 'gaseousdis'cliarg'e tubes arranged in coac'tingj relation, each ineludihg" a composite anode andliot cathode" electrode 0f1 the filamentarvheated cathode type in 'eacliend thereof, a series. of electricalconnections between the composite electrodes of certain of said tubes, a multiplicity of spacedanb'des'disposed between said 'compositeielectrodes, a source of. alternating current, means for individually energizing oer tain of said cathode electrodes rrom'said source, meansfor energizing others of saidpathodeelec trodes in" commonfrom said source, means rbr cyclically exciting said" electrodes from said" source while maintaining anrextemaishuntpatn around certain ofsaid'- electrodes for producing a dark space within said-'"tiibes'intermediate the energized portions thereo'fifor visually'producing animated effectin said coa'cting tubes"andmea'ns f for shielding thewisualeiiectofsaidhot cath ode electrode from, said discharge."

3'. An electronic animated" sign comprising a multiplicity of preformed gaseousfdischarge tubes arranged in coactin'g relation; ea'chinc'luding' a; composite anode and hotcathode"electrode'of the". filamentary heated cathode type in" each end" thereof, and amultiplicity ofspacia'lly' disposed anodes distributed therebetween; a source of alternating current, means for" independently 55 energizing certain of" said cathode electrodes from said source, separate'means"for"sirnultane= ously energizing othersof 'said cathode'electr'odes in common switching means forselectivelyan'd' progressively applying alternating current". to said anodes for cyclically controlling, the dis charge through said tubes at a f rate determined 1 by therate of operation of Isaid-.switching}means' and means for shielding the visual efi'eetof said hot cathode electrode from said' discharge.

4. An electronic animated; sign .comprisinga multiplicity of preformed". gaseous qdischarge tubes arrangedin coacting relation, each includ-l ing a composite anode andhot cathode electrode 2 of the filamentary heated -catl'iiideltype in each" end thereof and a multiplicity of "spacially dis-fposed anodes distributed 'therebe'tween," a source of alternating current, means for separately" energizing certain of said" cathode" electrodes from saidsource -meansfor energizing othersof"75" said cathode electrodes through-a parallelcircuit connected with said source and switching' means for selectively and progressively applying;- alterhating: currenttosaid anodes for cyclically controllingthe discharge through said tubesat a rate'determined bythe rate of operationof said switching means, means associated with said switching means for establishing ashunt path around certain of said external electrodesfor producing adark space intermediatethe illuminate d activated portions of said coacting tubes andmeansfor shielding the visual effectof said hot cathode electrode from said discharge;

5. Anelectronic animated sign comprising a multiplicity of preformed gaseous discharge tubes arranged in enacting relation, each' including a composite anode and hot cathode electrode of the filamentary heatecl cathode type in'ea'chend thereof .anda multiplicity of intermediatespacially disposed anodes therebetweema source of alternating current; means for independently energizing certain ofsaid cathode electrodes from said source, separate means for simulta-" neously energizing others of said cathodei elec trodesin common means for progressively exciting saidelectrodes and anodes incyclicorder; means associatedwith the aforesaid meansforestablishing an external shunt path aroundicertain- 0f said'electrodes'for maintaining a mobile dark space intermediate the illuminated portionsof: said tubes in cyclic progression, and--meansassociated with each of said composite anodesand;hotcathodes for shielding the dark space insa-id tubesfrom the visualefiects of the hot cathode-portions of said composite'a-nodesandcathodes;

6. An electronic animated sign comprising a multiplicity of preformed gaseous discharge-tubes arranged in coacting relation, each including'a composite anode and hot cathodeelectrodeof the filamentary-heated cathode type in each end thereof and a multiplicity of intermediate spa cially disposed anodes'therebetween, a source of alternating current, circuit connectionsincluding saidelectrodes means forindependentlyenergizing, certain of said cathode electrodes fromsaid-source, separate means for simultaneously: energizing others of said cathode; electrodes in common, switching means including. a rotary driven contactor a multiplicity of contacts -disposed in thepath-jof said contactor and individu ally andsequentially connected with; said eledtrodes; said contactor operating to shuntcertainof said" contacts for. establishing; an externar shunt path arou'nd'said electrodes for producing: a darker deactivated space in said tubes' intermediate the illuminated 'or activated portions" thereof: said dark or v deactivated space-progress ing along said tubes at a -rate governed by-the'" rateor movement of said contactor and means for shieldingithe visualeffect of saidhotca'thode electrodefrom said i discharge.

'YJ An ele'trbnidanir'ritited sign 'comp'rising a''-' multiplicity of preformed gaseous" discharge 7 tubes' arranged in coacting relation} eaehdnclu'd energizing: certain of said cathodeelectrodes frolnfsaid" source; separate means iorflsiniultan' ously energizing other's of "saidfcathddje' el'ectrod incommonyswitbhingmeam incliidiiiga'ddt'airy" driven contactor a multiplicity of contacts disposed in the path of said contactor and individually and sequentially connected with said electrodes, said contactor operating to shunt certain of said contacts for establishing an external shunt path around said electrodes for producing a dark or deactivated space in said tubes intermediate the illuminated or activated portions thereof said dark or deactivated space progressing along said tubes at a rate governed by the rate of movement of said contactor, the effective width of said contactor in bridging said contacts being determinative of the effective length of the dark or deactivated space in said tubes and means for shielding the visual effect of said hot cathode electrode from said discharge.

RICHARD H. SEAMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,161,716 McCauley June 6, 1939 2,295,869 Seaman Sept. 15, 1942 

